So it looks the part but what extra grunt has the specialist given the Wagon? BMW’s latest 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six engine found in the new X3 M (and future M3) has been selected but Alpina has reigned in the output from 503 hp (375 kW) to 455 hp (340 kW). They concentrated on the torque it produces and upped it from 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) to 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).

An eight-speed gearbox sends that beef to all four wheels and although they have not shared performance statistics of the B3 Touring, you will definitely be in the 4-second zone for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint.

Inside you get a handsomely rebadged steering wheel, tweaked graphics and retrimmed leather.

It will sting the wallet to the tune of £60,000 (approx R1,1 million) which, for a 3 Series, is quite a lot but the seems fair for such a tasteful Touring.